On This Date In Raiders History: Plunkett to Branch For 99 Yards; Long’s 5 Sacks

Jim Plunkett

On This Date In Oakland Raiders History:

October 2, 1983

In a regular season game against the Washington Redskins, the Los Angeles Raiders were backed up on their own one-yard line in the second quarter before quarterback Jim Plunkett hit receiver Cliff Branch in stride for a 99-yard touchdown pass.

The play put the Raiders on the scoreboard and cut the deficit to 10-7. The Raiders would go on to lose the game, 37-35; however, the play is still the Raiders record for longest pass. There have been 14 other occurrences of a 99-yard pass in NFL history.

Also in the game, Raiders defensive end Howie Long recorded five sacks setting a Raiders record. At the time, Long became second on the all-time single game sacks list, but has fallen into a tie for fourth most sacks in one game. Long would record a personal best 13 sacks in 1983.

That season the Los Angeles Raiders would go on to win the Super Bowl against the same Redskins team.

Jim Plunkett to Cliff Branch for 99-yard touchdown 

One of Howie Long’s five sacks